Fewer restrictions on cod fishing in the Baltic

Small-scale fishermen will be able to catch Baltic cod in coastal areas during closed-season summer, after restrictions were removed by a vote in the European Parliament on January 16. Statistics show that Baltic Sea cod stocks are gradually recovering. It was argued that allowing coastal fishing in summer will not harm them, as cod spawn in deeper waters.The Baltic cod proposal still needs a green light from member states, possibly after a second reading. However, as this is a multi-annual management plan, Fisheries Committee MEPs fear that the Council could halt the file due to a dispute with Parliament over the Long Term Management Plans.